Kalikatsou Rock

A bizarre hermitage

You arrive in Grikos and start gazing at the boundless lagoon. Suddenly, your eyes fall on Petra or «Kalikatsou», nearly a statue, just like a rock, resting in the calm waters of Grikos bay.

The word «Kalikatsou», in many islands, stands for a protected species of crow or magpie. It was rumored that these birds used to form their nests on the imposing rock. Once you reach the top, the view is impressive, as you lift your head high and face the endless Aegean, right at your feet.

The tiny boats along with the panoramic view of Grikos give the impression of flying high in the sky, where all you can hear is the harmonious sound of the sea. You can easily imagine this area as a hermitage, the aura you sense is the least strange.

Like an outdoor sanctuary, the famous "Petra" is so different from what you have seen that will definitely make you want to climb and see up close. Special caution is advised to all explorers, one should be careful both in climbing up and down, since the surface is smooth and at several points, sharp.

You could imagine modern people using it as a hideaway, different from the others, since it constitutes an alternative source of inspiration and energy, with its imposing and hulking complexion. The stone is shaped in such a way that forms carved rocky circular «windows», from which you can admire the endless beach of Petra and the natural environment.

It is no coincidence that the area has been declared as protected, as is the largest wetland of Patmos, in which various species of birds find shelter.

Steady as a rock, with visible traces of living ascetics (carved rack positions, oven nozzle, wells, water pipeline etc), Petra dares you to explore it and arouses the curiosity of all strollers found in the area, many of whom dare to climb it.

Many historians believe it was a sanctuary, probably one to worship Venus. This seemingly inhospitable spot, appears to be a geological wonder and myths surrounding its name vary.

Many speak of a myth in which a tunnel connects the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist with Petra. Such tunnels were used to transport precious treasures, in order to shield them from pirate raids. Most scientists believe that is a result of volcanic activity and some others that it was a sanctuary of Venus. One thing is certain, they all agree in one thing: its outlandish ambience.